Cooler temperatures throughout the Arkansas River Valley last week have many folks looking forward to fall. Hopefully, this month's heat is finally behind us, and this is a definite sign of things to come.

Fall is without a doubt my favorite time of the year. The problem with fall, though, is there are too many things to do.

As far as the fishing goes, it's the second-best time of the year to fish, with spring being the best. The baitfish start toward the backs of the creeks and coves, and all types of fish begin to feed up for the winter. The fishing action this time of year is remarkable, as large schools of fish chase baitfish from daylight until dark.

Top-water fishing peeks for the last time of the year and if you get in the right school of fish, you can have some astounding catches. As many of you have come to know, I'm a top-water fanatic who just can't get enough when the fishing is right.

Hunting season, along with Arkansas Razorbacks football, kicks off Saturday as many area hunters will take to the woods to build food plots, put up stands and mix in some small-game hunting. Squirrel season actually has been open most of the summer, but most folks don't like to hunt when temperatures are well above 100 degrees.

Dove hunters are reporting a good number of birds in certain regions of the state, and hopefully, last week's cooler temperatures will have a positive effect as opening day (Saturday) quickly approaches.

The Arkansas deer herd is simply busting at the seams, as deer populations continue to grow throughout the state. Bow hunting for deer has become increasingly popular in the Natural State the past few years, as hunters look to get out in the woods earlier and get a jump on those who only muzzle load or gun hunt. Bow season opens Oct. 1, and indications are it should be a great year for area hunters.

Fall also means Razorbacks football - which has absolutely nothing to do with hunting and fishing, unless you're a Hog fan that likes to hunt and fish. Saturdays in the fall are special in Arkansas. Somehow amidst all the outdoor activities, we find ways to either watch or listen to the games as we hunt and fish. If the game is big enough, we just call time out and gather up around the television like it's a good, warm campfire.

Most folks outside Arkansas would be amazed at how our lives seem to revolve around Razorbacks football. In the past, I've been told of people who have got left in the woods, on a stand or on the side of the road because the game was so good, no one would leave camp to go get them.

Those folks have learned to take their own vehicle or simply plan around the game like the rest of us.

For those of you who just enjoy the fall colors, we're in need of some rain with these cooler temperatures (hopefully, it's not too late) to help bring out the beautiful array of colors that annually line the roads, mountains and streams throughout Arkansas.

Whatever endeavors you embark on in the coming months, I hope this fall will be one filled with good times, great memories and lots of success on the lake and in the field.

E-mail comments to Russellville Middle School teacher and coach Joey Fisher at jfish44@yahoo.com. His weekly radio show can be heard at 5:20 p.m. Fridays and 8:20 a.m. Saturdays on radio station KCJC 102.3 FM.